Recycle-Content Propanol from Mixed Waste Pyrolysis Streams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recycling methods face challenges in processing diverse waste streams without segregation, managing impurities, and synthesizing chemicals like propanol using existing equipment, while reducing dependence on natural gas and enhancing flexibility in recycle content integration.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to produce recycle content propanol by pyrolyzing recycled waste, cracking pyrolysis oil in a cracker furnace, and separating olefin-containing products, allowing for flexible integration of recycle content into chemical synthesis without additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If complicated and detailed segregation of waste streams is implemented, then recycling efficiency is improved, but cost of obtaining recycle waste content streams increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycling efficiencyVSAvoidcost of obtaining recycle waste content streams

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of waste stream processing from requiring detailed segregation to accepting mixed waste streams with various impurities. The hydrocarbon processing system is designed to tolerate diverse feedstock compositions, eliminating the need for complex sorting operations while maintaining recycling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal processing system that can handle multiple types of waste materials (plastics, rubber, textiles, leather, paper, wood) simultaneously without requiring separate processing lines for each material type. This multi-functional approach reduces both complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated product allocation from recycle content is attempted, then customer-specific supply is improved, but difficulty of segregation and distribution increases due to continuous fluid gas infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer-specific supplyVSAvoiddifficulty of segregation and distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary accounting system that tracks recycle content through credits and allocations rather than attempting to physically segregate the continuous gas streams. This mediator layer enables dedicated product allocation while working within the constraints of the continuous fluid infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of physically separating dedicated portions of gas streams, the system creates a bookkeeping copy or representation of the recycle content through allocation credits. This virtual copying allows tracking and distribution control without requiring complex physical segregation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If additional expensive equipment is invested to establish recycle content in chemical compound manufacture, then recycle content production capability is improved, but capital investment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycle content production capabilityVSAvoidcapital investment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables existing chemical processing equipment to process recycle content feedstocks without requiring additional specialized equipment. The system is designed to be self-sufficient, using current infrastructure to handle waste-derived feedstocks and produce chemical compounds with recycle content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the operational parameters of existing equipment to accommodate waste-derived feedstocks rather than requiring new equipment. By adjusting processing conditions and tolerances, the system achieves recycle content production capability using existing assets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If dependence on natural gas, ethane, or propane as sole source is maintained, then process simplicity is preserved, but sustainability and environmental impact worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts waste materials (harmful to environment when landfilled) into valuable chemical feedstocks. By pyrolyzing mixed waste streams to produce hydrocarbons that can substitute for natural gas, ethane, or propane, the system transforms an environmental problem into a sustainability solution while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables efficient production of propanol from recycled waste, tolerating various impurities and diverse waste streams, reducing reliance on natural gas, and providing flexibility in recycle content usage.

Implementation Method 1

cracking pyrolysis oil in a cracker furnace

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCracking: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

pyrolyzing recycled waste

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12516006B2Recycle content propanol

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 EXXONMOBIL PRODUCT SOLUTIONS CO

AI summary

A recycle content propanol and method of making a recycle content propanol wherein the recycle content is derived directly or indirectly from the cracking of recycle content pyrolysis oil and/or gas. The cracking of the pyrolysis oil can be conducted in a gas furnace or a split furnace.